Overview

The perfect excuse to ditch your computer for the weekend.

Set your out of office message for the weekend, and join us at Lake Tawakoni State Park near Dallas, TX for an awesome weekend of fun, relaxation and friends. We'll be camping along beautiful Lake Tawakoni, a recreation area with plenty to see and do. From water sports to hiking trails, fishing to lawn games there's something for every interest (including some hammock time if you're looking for a slower pace). Enjoy excellent food and plenty of excuses to roast s'mores, all in our private camp. The best part? All the details are taken care of, and camping gear + tent + meals + snacks are all included. All you have to do is show up and set up your tent. You choose your level of activity, the weekend is yours.

Activities

Relax and unwind

Go on an afternoon hike, play some outdoor games, take an afternoon nap, take a canoe out, go on a scavenger hunt, or sit around the campfire with other campers… minimal schedules, lots of fun, incredible memories. Think a cross between summer camp and Burning Man… in Texas.

Where we're staying

Escape to the Lake

Imagine yourself in the shade of tall trees, listening to birds chirping and water lapping on the shores of Lake Tawakoni. Sounds good, right? We’ll have everything you need to have a relaxing and/or active time during the weekend. From hammocks to yard games, boats to hiking and fishing… you’ll have a blast.

Things to Do

Explore 376 acres of oak forest, more than five miles of lakeshore, and the lake itself. Boat, fish or swim on the water; hike, mountain-bike, go birding or geocaching on land.

Fish

Lake Tawakoni is a 37,879-acre reservoir. Fish the lake from shore or boat. You don’t need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park.

Hike and mountain bike

The park has nearly five miles of trails to explore.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at private camp on Lake Tawakoni

Arrive at our private camp at Lake Tawakoni State Park by 2pm, and get to know fellow campers. We’ll break out the tents and hammocks and set up camp (if it’s your first time, don’t worry… we’ll make sure your tent is set up right). From there, grab a snack and head out on one of the many adventures available at Lake Tawakoni. Want to relax? We’ll hang some hammocks so you can catch some Zzzs. Then it’s dinner, the warm glow of a campfire and s’mores!

Day 2 - Lawn games, relaxation, optional group hike

Wake up on your terms, or the sun’s. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and more to fuel the day’s activities. Grab a canoe, play some lawn games, try your hand at fishing from the shore, or just take it easy at camp and play a board game or cards with other campers. Whatever you do, work up an appetite for lunch, and get ready to head out on an optional group hike to explore the area with fellow campers. We’ll end the evening with dinner together and another welcoming campfire and roasted dessert.

Day 3 - Lazy morning, choose your own adventure, departure

Sundays are a time to be lazy, right? Wake up on your own schedule Sunday morning, and grab some breakfast. Head out for some morning fun around camp, and take a little more time to soak up the sun and fresh air. Then it’s back to camp for a quick group photo and cleanup. We’ll depart camp at around 2pm.

What's Included

Three meals a day and snacks. Tent, sleeping pad, communal stoves, all cookware, flashlight, sleeping bag (these are rented to you for the duration of the event). Camping fees. Camp swag. Fire and s’mores supplies.

What’s not included

You’re responsible for getting to and from the park.

Cancellation and transfer

All tickets (including add-ons) are non-refundable but are transferable to another party for the same event. Please contact us if a transfer is needed. In the case of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances out of the control of the organizers, event may be postponed and/or location changed to a comparable location.

If the trip is canceled due to lack of interest, your ticket will be refunded in full.

Please note: By purchasing a ticket, you agree to the code of conduct. Harassment or actions that make others feel uncomfortable will not be tolerated. Such violations will result in expulsion from the event without refund.

Accommodations

All tickets include rental of everything you need to comfortably tent camp:

Other stuff

Q & A

Q: Is there wifi or internet available at camp?A: While internet is usually available near camp, speeds and availability may vary and aren’t guaranteed. We suggest getting mission-critical work done before heading out for a good ol’ digital detox.

Q: Can I bunk with a significant other or friend?A: Absolutely. Please let us know in the comments section or where applicable on the pre-camp survey.

Q: Can I bring my child?A: Adventures are intended for participants 21 years or older. In certain cases, exceptions will be made for those 18+. Please contact us.

Q: Can I bring a pet like a dog, llama, or giraffe?A: You’re welcome to bring a pet if the venue allows them, and you’ll be subject to their rules. Your pet must be well-behaved and must play well with humans. We’re happy to provide rules on a venue by venue basis. Just ask!

Q: Are there restrooms and showers?A: Restrooms and showers are a short walk from camp. Remember to bring your own shower supplies.

Q: Do I have to participate in all the activities?A: The short answer is no. You decide what you want to participate in. Every piece of the weekend is optional, however most people enjoy spending some quality time with their new friends.

Q: I’m an introvert, will I have fun?A: Many of us are introverts, so we’ve got you covered. Whatever your interaction level, you should have a great time since you get to choose what activities you participate in.

Q: I’ve never been camping, is this a good beginner’s event?A: Yep! In-fact, first timers have told us they really enjoyed the experience. We’ll help guide you through the process, and we’ll make sure your tent is set up right. We’ll even show you how to make the perfect s’more!

Q: I have dietary restrictions, can you accommodate them?A: Generally we can accommodate dietary needs. Please make sure to indicate any such restrictions on the pre-event survey.

Q: Who are you, and why do you run these trips?A: We’re tech workers who love the outdoors! Geek Adventures was started in late 2016 and the community includes 5 Hiking with Geeks chapters in North America as well as a handful of hand-crafted group adventure / digital detox trips.

Q: Do you have a code of conduct?A: Yep, right here… and we’re serious about it. The basics: be kind to and include each other.

Q: I love these events, do you do private trips or company retreats?A: Yep! Get in touch at [email protected] for more information.

Q: I have a question not answered here. How do I get ahold of you?A: Please use the Facebook Chat link in the footer of this page, or email [email protected]. We’re more than happy to address any questions you have!

Q: Can I bring a suitcase for my personal items?A: Most events are designed to accommodate suitcases. We’ll let you know if there are special packing requirements.

Q: My company wants to sponsor an event, is that something you do?A: We’ve accepted sponsorships in the past, and it’s something we’re open to if your company’s brand and product are a great fit. Please get in touch at [email protected].

Who attends?

Attendees are self identifying geeks, people working in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), and/or people with geeky hobbies. It’s possible to geek out on just about anything. Don’t get too hung up on the definition. If the event sounds fun, you’re good-natured, and you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll fit right in.

Here’s a sample from attendee registration forms

What people are looking forward to

Human connection

Decompression

New relationships

Inspiring conversations

Networking

Great conversations

Bonding

Awesome people disconnected from the world

Talents people are bringing to camp

Art

Dancing

Music

Watercolours

Fire building

Accelerant application

Fire suppression

Juggling

Stretching

Cooking

Crafts

Photography

Lip sync’ing poorly

Improv

Drumming

Reviews

Swaati Bhat

"I would highly recommend camping with 'Adventures with Geeks', specially if you are a beginner or first timer. One of the best hosts who is friendly, welcoming and makes sure you don't feel left out. I am glad we chose this event as our first camping in the US. I feel confident and am very keen to explore more camping events in future."

Chris Carfi

GoDaddy

"Many of us in the technology industry are “in the flow,” seemingly 24/7. It’s critical to to get out from behind our devices, interact with others in actual conversation, and take time to process. With that time to reflect comes creativity and new ideas."

Becky Davis

Becky Davis Design

"Like most of us, I work from home. Working for yourself has a lot of advantages, but having a chance to chat with real people IRL on a regular basis is not one of them. Sitting around a campfire with real people disconnected from technology sounds very appealing."

Brad Williams

Web Dev Studios

"I didn’t know what to expect going to Camp Press. What I promptly learned is that was the entire point of the event—doing the unexpected, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, making new friends, having fun and serious conversations, and doing all of this without the normal technology that is always around us."